Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Monday, urged the public to boycott leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). He emphasized the accountability of those responsible for the desecration of religious texts and for inflicting harm on the public. Mann referred to the incidents of 2015 involving the desecration of religious scriptures and the police firing on peaceful protesters in Faridkot.
Addressing a gathering, the Chief Minister stated, “During their rule, these leaders (Akalis) wounded the sentiments of every common man by allowing the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib. These traitors should never be forgiven as they are responsible for the desecration of the sacred text and their hands are stained with the blood of innocent civilians.”
Mann further asserted, “Supporting the Akali Dal means endorsing the era of Guru Granth Sahib’s desecration, the police firing on peaceful protesters, and endorsing the atrocities on the common public.”
The Chief Minister continued, “Those who have destroyed the state’s citizens and are responsible for the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib do not deserve any leniency. They must be taught a lesson, and a social boycott of these leaders is the need of the hour to prevent further harm to the state and its people.”
Mann also accused the Akali Dal leadership of mixing politics with religion for personal gains. He highlighted that the leadership often undermines the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib by making arbitrary decisions about the appointments and dismissals of religious leaders, severely damaging their positions.
Additionally, Mann accused Akali Dal leaders of committing theft of electricity during a rally in Muktsar. He questioned, “How can we expect any good from those involved in petty crimes like electricity theft?” The state government, according to Mann, will register a case against them.
In response, Akali Dal leader Kanwarjeet Singh denied the allegations and dismissed Mann’s accusations.
